Programs follow the Grande Prairie Public School Division year calendar and operate daily for a morning or afternoon class at Crystal Park School or Swanavon School.
GPPSD's PUF Pre-Kindergarten Programs are child-centred, play-based and developmentally appropriate, providing a language-rich learning environment where children can participate, progress and achieve.
Children receive direct teaching from a certified teacher for some activities and may receive direct therapy from an educational assistant supervised by a speech-language pathologist. Teachers work collaboratively with a Multi-Disciplinary Team and GPPSD Early Learning staff to design and deliver individual and group programming focus on:
- language development
- communication strategies
- early literacy and numeracy skills
- physical activities
- social skills
- self-regulation strategies
PUF Pre-Kindergarten Programs may be available to children for one or two years of programming, depending on the child's needs and eligibility.
As part of the PUF Pre-Kindergarten program, we offer opportunities for Play Partner students. These children are of the same age and are developing strong skills in language, self-help and social interactions. They act as valuable play, language, and behaviour role models for students in the PUF Pre-Kindergarten Program. For more information, click HERE.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Children diagnosed with a moderate/severe delay/disability may qualify if they are more than 2 years 8 months of age and less than 4 years 8 months on August 31 of the calendar year they are attending, as per Alberta Education criteria.
Children diagnosed with a mild delay/disability may qualify if they are more than 3 years 8 months and less than 4 years 8 months of age on August 31 of the calendar year they are attending, as per Alberta Education criteria.
Children who have qualified based on Alberta Education criteria attend Monday through Friday for either a morning or afternoon program.
GPPSD's Crystal Park School and Swanavon School offer Pre-Kindergarten programs for families who live in the City of Grande Prairie.
Children diagnosed with severe delays/disabilities do not need to be toilet trained for the program, and support staff will aid with changes as required. Parents are required to communicate with the classroom staff about where their child is in the toileting process and to provide diapers, wipes and a change of clothes if needed.
Children diagnosed with mild/moderate delays must be toilet trained.
No. Busing is not offered for Pre-Kindergarten programs. Families must pick up and drop off their child at the school's start and end times.
Yes. GPPSD offers two fee-based Preschool programs, French Immersion Preschool at École Montrose and Montessori Preschool at Parkside Montessori. Information can be found on school websites.
There is no fee for children who qualify based on the Alberta Education Program Unit Fund (PUF) criteria and Alberta Education criteria.
